Question about Hardwood Plywoods

[Becky]

After reading Graybeard's post about Sloan's, I went to the site to look around.  I saw they have a selection of plywoods that use a hardwood veneer for either one or two sides.

How are those to work with?  I've been playing with portrait-type things lately and have just used BB plywood with an application of oil and then lacquer.  But seeing the different types of plywood made me think about how that might look - you know, like using a walnut plywood and a light-colored backer or something.

Is it better to use the different plywoods or to just put some stain on the BB?  I've never even tried staining BB but seeing the different plywoods led me to that thought too.

I don't have any projects planned right now that would use these ideas but I am wondering what all of your experiences/thoughts might be.

[dgman]

Becky, I have used hardwood plywoods for portraits, and usually comes out pretty good. Some plywood don't cut well, and some do. I would think that Sloan's sells top quality plywood. I have only purchased their BB and it is top quality.
Here is a picture of one I did with Red Oak plywood and a luan backer.

[Russ C]

Hardwood Plywood can be used for projects instead of BB and give your project a different look without staining. They work very good and look great. Remember they are good one side and work great on projects where you can not see the back. 

[julief]

I have used red oak ply with no problem.  Cuts the same as BB

[GrayBeard]

Hey neighbor....

I have done many things with BB plywood that I have treated with MinWax Spray Stain and it works just fine. Cut, sand, spray on stain, wipe off and then a couple coats of Poly or Lacquer.

In my last shipment I received some walnut and cherry plywood to use in making a layered project of a desert scene that I will be cutting soon. I have used oak PW for several things and it cuts almost as easily as BB and you get the appearance of the oak for your project.

Hope this gives you the incentive to try some...

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[Intarsia92]

I have cut about 20 portraits using Red-Oak Ply, that I buy in 4' X 8' sheets and from my perspective they all turned out very good.

I finish them with Deft Satin Spray.

[Becky]

Minwax makes a spray stain?  I don't think I've seen that.  Spray like in spray paint or in an airbrush or something.  I kind of like that idea although I suspect I would like it less in the winter.

I just bought some BB last week but I an thinking about trying Sloan's for my next go-round.  I think I may try a couple sheets of different kinds besides BB if/when I do.  I like the idea of having a more attractive wood up front.

Thanks for the info everybody!

[GrayBeard]

I have the MinWax Spray cans of stain in Natural Oak and Golden Oak and use them extensively.

~~~GB~~~

[Judy Hunter]

where do you find spray Min Wax?  I use it in cans and dip my things, I've never seen it in spray form either.

[GrayBeard]

I think I got mine at Lowes or Home Depot.
Look either with the MinWax finishes or with the Spray Paints...

~~~GB~~~

[Russ C]

Home Depot, Lowes and I think Wal-Mart carry the spray stain. I have used it on small projects and it works good. 

[dgman]

Hey Russ, maybe it's a regional thing as I have never seen the spray stain anywhere in So. California.

[Judy Hunter]

I have never seen it anywhere in ND

[northie66]

I have never thought to look for it.